There is much we can learn about growing healthy churches and planting new ones just by observing a garden. This is the point I made in a previous blog. There is much wisdom we can learn from the garden. In this blog I will explore the need for good seed and deep roots. For a church to be healthy, roots need to be firmly planted. This is a lesson I learned working with...
Jack De Vries was hired on by the Christian Reformed Churches of Australia and began his work as Ministry Training Coordinator in January 2008. In 2012 this role shifted to that of Ministry Development Coach.
Jack came from Canada where he pastored three Christian Reformed churches: Alliston CRC, Alliston, Ontario(1983-87), a church plant:...
Jack De Vries was hired on by the Christian Reformed Churches of Australia and began his work as Ministry Training Coordinator in January 2008. In 2012 this role shifted to that of Ministry Development Coach.
Jack came from Canada where he pastored three Christian Reformed churches: Alliston CRC, Alliston, Ontario(1983-87), a church plant: New Life Community Church, Pickering, Ontario(1987-95), and Bethel CRC, Listowel, Ontario (1995-2007). Jack is a graduate of Calvin Theological Seminary (Master of Divinity - 1983) and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (Doctor of Ministry - 2003) Jack and his wife Jeannie currently live in Petrie, a northern suburb of Brisbane in Queensland. They attend and are members of Bray Park Community Church. They have four adult children and seven grandchildren living in the USA and Canada.
In Isaiah 58:11 we read: "The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail." Australia has seen times of drought and floods. There is another type of drought in Australia; there is a spiritual drought. But God promises to provide refreshing rain, a never ending supply of refreshing water. The water he provides will satisfy the needs of all Australians. As we take up the missional vision God has given us we extend the life changing invitation of Jesus: "Come! Whoever is thirsty, come, and take the free gift of the water of life!" (Revelation 22:17)
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O God, you are the fountain of all truth; we ask you to protect your church from all false teaching.
Protect the Church
From all teaching and preaching which would destroy people's faith;
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"Unto us a child is born, to us a son is given... and he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6
These words from the prophet Isaiah take on special meaning when we see them fulfilled in the coming and birth of Jesus Christ.
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Membership in a church used to be a big deal. Unlike a membership at the local gym or even joining the area golf club, membership in the church meant giving of yourself wholeheartedly to the life and ministry of the church. Not only did you attend every worship service, but you gave generously of your time, talents, and treasures to the well-being and growth of the church you joined. Times are a changing! ...
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I grew up with a green thumb. See, my dad was a gardener, and ever since I could tag along with him, he would have me work with him in the gardens. Cutting grass, clipping hedges, trimming roses, planting annuals, laying new turf, weeding between the plants, watering the flowers. I still enjoy gardening -- seeing seeds become plants and watching things grow. There is much wisdom we can learn from the garden. Jesus...
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